Hosiery manipulation apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus to manipulate hosiery includes a curved plunger, the curved plunger being curved about a pivot point and a curved hollow tube, the curved hollow tube being curved about the pivot point, and configured to internally receive the curved plunger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a hosiery manipulating apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus to evert, that is to turn inside out, hosiery such as socks, hose, leggings, stockings, etc.

2. Description of the Related Art

Currently, the vast majority of the world population wears socks or stockings to both insulate and protect their feet. This includes athletic socks, dress socks, stockings, short socks, insolated socks and tube socks. Typically, during the de-clothing process, a person would take off their socks or stockings in a manner that would result in the socks being in its inverted state and typically with dirt, grass, debris, sweat, etc. typically caught within the sock. This action results in the sock or stocking being washed in the inverted state, thereby causing continued dirt and sweat residue to remain inside the sock or stocking's outside walls. Conventionally, the manual turning of the sock or stocking requires an unwanted, extensive, inefficient, and unclean undertaking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, and other, exemplary problems, drawbacks, and disadvantages of the conventional systems, it is an exemplary feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus including a curved plunger, the curved plunger being curved about a pivot point and a curved hollow tube, the curved hollow tube being curved about the pivot point, and configured to internally receive the curved plunger.

It is another exemplary feature of the present invention to provide a method to manipulate hosiery wherein an item of hosiery is everted, the method including placing the item of hosiery on a curved hollow tube and rotating the curved hollow tube about a pivot point towards a fixed curved plunger to evert the item of hosiery.

The present invention also may provide a body with support for assistance in manipulating hosiery. The present invention exemplarily provides device for a user to turn a sock or stocking right side out easily and efficiently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other exemplary purposes, aspects, and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an orthogonal view of an exemplary apparatus 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the exemplary apparatus 100;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the exemplary apparatus 100;

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the front elevation showing the sock or stocking in position for turning in the exemplary apparatus 100;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the front elevation showing the sock or stocking frame surrounding an exemplary embodiment of a plunger or rod, while simultaneous receiving the sock or stocking in the exemplary apparatus 100;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the front elevation showing the sock or stocking after turning right side out of the exemplary apparatus 100;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of a brush 146 in the exemplary apparatus 100;

FIG. 8 illustrates an orthogonal view of an exemplary apparatus 800 according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the curved plunger 130 of the exemplary apparatus 100; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of an exemplary apparatus 900 according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-10, there are shown exemplary embodiments of the method and structures according to the present invention.

Exemplarily, the present invention may include an open-ended tube rotating around a pivot point by way of attached arm and further surrounding a stationary plunger or rod throughout the rotation of the open-ended tube so as to turn inside out, or evert, an item of hosiery such as a sock, legging, stocking, etc. Other embodiments are, of course, evident to one of ordinary skill in the art including a moveable rod or plunger and a stationary tube.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 100 for everting (e.g., turning inside out) hosiery such as socks, stockings, and other leggings. Referring to FIG. 1, apparatus 100 exemplarily includes a curved plunger 130 that is inserted into a hollow curved tube 140. Exemplarily, the curved hollow tube 140 rotates over the curved plunger 130. In alternative embodiments, an exemplary plunger or rod may translate through a stationary hollow tube. In additional embodiments, other shapes and sizes of the rod or plunger and the hollow tube may be utilized, including a square and triangular profile or shape. The item of hosiery to be everted is fitted on tube 140.

Furthermore, the curved hollow tube 140 is exemplarily formed to have a shape that follows a circumferential shape of a circle around a pivot point 180 of a frame 120 onto which the curved hollow tube 140 is exemplarily associated. Exemplarily, the curved hollow tube would translate around the pivot point 180 via an arm 150 and be operated via a handle 190. Of course, other embodiments may rotate the curved hollow tube in other manners about the pivot point.

The curved hollow tube exemplarily has an arc length of approximately 115 degrees. A range of 80-180 degrees may be advantageously used. In some embodiments, longer or short arc lengths may be preferable. In some embodiments, the curved hollow tube 140 and curved plunger would share a radius of about 5.75 inches, but of course, other radii could be used. For example, a range of 4-8 inches may be advantageously used as the radius.

The curved plunger 130 is exemplarily shaped as a half circle so that a head 134 of the curved plunger is approximately at a topmost portion of the apparatus 100 and close to a first opening 142 of the curved hollow tube. In some embodiments, the curved plunger 130 has an arc length of about 210 degrees. A range or 150-230 may be advantageously used. In some embodiments, longer or shorter arc lengths may be preferable. It is exemplarily preferable to form a second end 134 of the curved plunger 130 to be associated to an interior portion of the frame 120 as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 to improve stability. In other embodiments, a second end of the curved plunger could stop outside of the frame or on the frame itself. In still other embodiments, the curved plunger could be secured by another frame, separate from a frame exemplarily securing the curved hollow tube.

The open-ended curved tube 140 is exemplarily mounted at a holding joint 160 to the arm 150. The end of the arm 170 is exemplarily affixed to the pivot joint 180 and supported by the back wall 124 of the frame 120 and the front wall of the frame 122. The back wall 124 of the frame 120 is exemplarily supported by a mount 110. A handle 190 is mounted at a holding joint 165 to the end of the open-ended curved tube 140. The mount 110 is exemplarily provided to secure the frame to a wall, table, or other device to ensure stability of operation of the apparatus 100.

Furthermore, the plunger 130 may be composed of a plastic, composite, or metal material. The open-ended tube 140 may be made of the same or another plastic, composite, or metal material. Of course, other appropriate materials may also be advantageously used in order to provide an exemplary device with an acceptable strength or weight.

FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of apparatus 100. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a top 142 of the open-ended curved tube 140 exemplarily fits over the head 134 of the curved plunger 130 equal to a rotation of the end of the arm 170 around the pivot joint 180.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 3, a top 142 of the open-ended curved tube 140 exemplarily fits over the head 134 of the curved plunger 130 as to rotate the end of the arm 170 around the pivot joint 180.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary mid-sectional view of apparatus 100 receiving a sock 300 taken from the sectional view IV-IV of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 4, the arm 150 is illustrated in a stationary position around the pivot point 180. The bottom of the open-ended curved tube 144 rests on the side wall of the frame 124 and the end of the arm 170 is affixed to the pivot point 180 supported by the front 122 and back 124 wall of the frame 120. The closed end of the sock 300 abuts with the top of the open-ended curved tube 142, whereas the body of the sock 310 is held by the open-ended curved tube 140 and the open end of the sock or stocking 320 is stretched to the end of the open-ended curved tube 140.

FIG. 5 illustrates a midsection view of apparatus 100 and sock 300 where the sock 300 surrounds the curved plunger 130 while the curved plunger 130 is being received by the tube 140.

Referring to FIG. 5, the arm 150 is rotated around the pivot point 180 to an active position. The end of the arm 170 is affixed to the pivot point 180 and rotates around the front 122 and back 124 wall of the frame 120, and the top of the open-ended curved tube 142 surrounds the curved plunger 130, whereas the closed end of the sock or stocking 300 abuts the head of the curved plunger or rod 134. The body of the sock 300 is pulled through the top of the open-ended curved tube 142, whereas the open end of the sock or stocking 320 slides along the open-ended curved tube 140.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary midsection view of apparatus 100 and sock 300 where the motion of the apparatus 100 is completed to the point that the sock 300 has been turned inside out and is ready to be removed. Referring to FIG. 6, the arm 150 is fully rotated to a stationary position around the pivot point 180. The top of the open-ended curved tube 142 rests on the side wall of the frame 124 and the end of the arm 170 is affixed to the pivot point 180 supported by the front 122 and back 124 wall of the frame 120. The open-ended curved tube 140 surrounds the curved plunger 130, whereas the curved plunger 130 protrudes the bottom of the open-ended curved tube 144 and the top of the open-ended curved tube 142 is tangential with the holding joint for the curved plunger or rod 132.

Next, the closed end of the sock or stocking 300 exemplarily abuts the head of curved plunger 134, whereas the body of the sock 310 is stretched along the plunger or rod 130.

Exemplarily, in a method of everting the sock 300, the inverted sock 300 is slipped over the open-ended cured tube 140 as illustrated in FIG. 4. An operator would then rotate the open-ended curved tube 140 around the pivot point 180 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The operator then grasps the end of the sock 300 along the head of the curved plunger or rod 134 and pulls the sock or stocking free from the bottom of the open-ended curved tube 144 right-side out as illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of apparatus 100 inside the curved tube 140. Referring to FIG. 7, the curved tube 140 may exemplarily be provided with flexible protruding point 146 near an end of the curved tube 140. The flexible protruding points 146 may be affixed to the open end 144, whereas the flexible protruding points 146 are perpendicular to the open end 144 of the curved tube 140 allowing for a brushing effect on sock 300. The protruding points 146 may include any type of brush, nubs, or flexible device to rub the sock as it passes therethrough.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the invention including apparatus 800 having an exemplary base unit 810. Referring to FIG. 8, elements of apparatus 800 that are similar to elements of the embodiment and description of apparatus 100, or are otherwise redundant, are omitted. In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 800 includes a top 842 of the open-ended curved tube 840 that exemplarily fits over the head 834 of the curved plunger 830 equal to a rotation of the end of the arm 870 around the pivot joint 880. The bottom of the frame 820 is exemplarily supported by a mount 810. The mount 810 is exemplarily provided to secure the frame to a wall or table or other device to ensure stability of operation of the apparatus 800. In particular, this embodiment includes the mount 810 which exemplarily provides greater stability.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary view of the curved plunger 130 of the apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 9, the head 134 of the curved plunger 130 exemplarily has a smooth edge 136, so as to provide an exemplary amount of protection for the sock 300. In other embodiments, the curved plunger may include different surfaces to differently engage a sock.

FIG. 10 illustrates a frontal view of another exemplary embodiment of apparatus 900. Referring to FIG. 10, elements of apparatus 900 that are similar to elements of the embodiment and description of apparatus 100, or are otherwise redundant, are omitted. Referring to FIG. 10, in this embodiment, apparatus 900 includes a head 934 of the curved plunger 930 having an alternative attachment 936, whereas the head 934 is altered to increase the functionality of the exemplarily apparatus 900. That is, in additional embodiments, the head of the plunger may include an additional shape to better hold the sock or engage an inner surface of the curved tube 940. That is, the curved plunger 930 may exemplarily have a larger end shape or other design.

Apparatus 900 likewise exemplarily includes a curved plunger 930 that is inserted into a hollow curved tube 940. Exemplarily, the curved hollow tube 940 rotates over the curved plunger 930. In additional alternative embodiments, an exemplary plunger or rod may translate through a stationary hollow tube. In additional embodiments, other shapes and sizes of the rod or plunger and the hollow tube may be utilized, including square and triangular shapes.

While the invention has been described in terms of several exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Further, it is noted that, Applicants' intent is to encompass equivalents of all claim elements, even if amended later during prosecution. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: a curved plunger, said curved plunger being curved about a pivot point; and a curved hollow tube, said curved hollow tube being curved about the pivot point, and configured to internally receive the curved plunger.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an arm associated with the curved hollow tube, the arm configured to translate the curved hollow tube radially about the pivot point.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a handle provided on the arm.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a frame configured to secure the curved plunger and to rotatably secure the arm about the pivot point.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a mounting portion provided on the frame, the mounting portion configured to allow the frame to be mounted to a wall or table.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the curved hollow tube is mounted at a holding joint on the arm.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the curved hollow tube comprises a radial length of approximately 115 degrees of arc.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the curved plunger comprises a radial length of approximately 160 degrees of arc, an end of the curved plunger being secured by the frame at a holding joint.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the curved plunger is configured to form a half circle with the frame at a bottom portion of the half circle and the curved hollow tube to be located adjacent to a top portion of the half circle.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the curved plunger comprises a radial length of approximately 210 degrees of arc, an end of the curved plunger being received internally in the frame.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an end of the curved plunger comprises a smooth surface.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an interior surface of the curved hollow tube comprises a protrusion configured to engage the curved plunger.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an end of the curved plunger comprises an enlarged shape.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the end of the curved plunger is configured to engage an inner surface of the curved hollow tube.
 15. A method to manipulate hosiery wherein an item of hosiery is everted, the method comprising: placing said item of hosiery on a curved hollow tube; and rotating the curved hollow tube about a pivot point towards a fixed curved plunger to evert the item of hosiery.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the rotating the curved hollow tube comprises rotating the curved hollow tube over the curved plunger so that the curved plunger enters a first end of the curved hollow tube and so that the item of hosiery engages with the curved plunger, the item of hosiery being forced on to the curved plunger.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the rotating the curved hollow tube further comprises rotating the curved hollow tube past the curved plunger so that the item of hosiery emerges from a second end of the curved hollow tube. 